The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has moved for the review and implementation of the recommendations on reforming the Nigerian broadcasting code.
The minister who said this while meeting with Online Publishers in Lagos reiterated his stance in implementing the code while saying that no amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise, will stop the process.
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“Let me be straight: No amount of attacks, sponsored or otherwise, will stop the implementation of the approved recommendations. Only non-patriots and anarchists will kick against measures aimed at putting an end to fake news and hate speech, especially in our broadcast industry.
“Only those who are guilty should be afraid of the efforts to sanitise the broadcast industry. Responsible broadcasters have nothing to fear. This is not a move to stifle free speech or gag anyone. But purveyors of fake news and hate speech should not expect to sleep easy.”
What you should know: President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave his approval of the review of the National Broadcasting Code and extant broadcasting laws to reflect stiffer penalties for violators of broadcasting regulations. The President had also endorsed the committee in charge of reforming the codes. The committee is called the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Reform Implementation Committee.
Speaking further, Mohammed stated that the committee had received attacks from people trying to stop the implementation of the approved recommendations. He emphasized the need for fake news and hate speech to be prevented from airing on the broadcast space.
Mohammed also said that the government is bent on evolving ways to tackle the menace as it has the capacity to exploit the nation.
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Penalties on defaulters: According to the reform implementation committee, breaches relating to hate speeches, inciting comments and indecency will attract fines from N500,000 to N5 million. The committee has also been held responsible for amending the NBC Act to enable NBC license WebTv and radio stations, among others.
